At the end of your car leasing contract, your vehicle will be inspected.
Normal usage can inevitably result in a few scratches and bumps and finance companies are aware of this and will allow for a certain amount of imperfection. This allowance is called ‘fair wear and tear’ and outlines the minimum standard your vehicle should be returned in.
The BVLRA (the trade body for the leasing sector in the UK) create the industry standard, so regardless of which finance company your lease is with the BVLRA guidelines will always apply to you.
There are two guideline versions relevant to our customers - for commerical vehicles see: van leasing fair wear and tear.
It's really important for all leasing cutomers to understand what's covered under the term ‘fair wear and tear’:
General Advice
It is advisable to perform a thorough check on your car at least one month before the end of your leasing contract. This will give you time to recognise and rectify any damage that falls outside of the fair wear and tear guidelines prior to your vehicle being collected.
You should thoroughly clean the interior and exterior prior to inspecting your vehicle. Inspect your clean (and dry) car in natural daylight to have the best chance of spotting any damage that may need to be repaired.
Leave all documents relating to the vehicle in it! Make sure your service book has been date stamped by an authorised repairer.
Where relevant we recommend deleting any personal information from the satellite navigation system (such as regularly visited destinations). Remove all your personal belongings - check under the seats and in all the storage areas, you will be amazed how easily pairs of sunglasses or an old sock can hide for years in a vehicle!
Your vehicle must be of current MOT standard – so if the clutch is slipping or the brake disks are worn you will definitely be charged! This also means the tread on your tyres must be at least the minimum UK standard which is a tread depth of 1.6mm.
What you should return
The golden rule here is – if it was in the car on delivery then send it back on collection! This includes but may not be limited to:
Bodywork
Accepted Wear and Tear
Unacceptable Wear and Tear
Tyres and Wheels
Accepted Wear and Tear
Unacceptable Wear and Tear
Windows, Lights and External Mirrors
Accepted Wear and Tear
Unacceptable Wear and Tear
Interior
Accepted Wear and Tear
Unacceptable Wear and Tear
This guide provides a snapshot of the BVRLA Fair Wear and Tear Guide which was accurate at the time of publication. For up to date details please call us on 01273 433 480 or email info@rivervaleleasing.co.uk.
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